Control Center Operator II

Title: Control Center Operator II

Location: Bloomington, MN

Job Description:

Scope of Position:

From the company's state-of-the-art control center, Operator II’s monitor conditions within the renewable

energy plants managed in the OCC. Key function is to mitigate equipment downtime and production losses

through responsive, timely actions to maximize plant performance. Control Center Operator II’s remotely

monitor and control turbine, inverter, and BOP plant equipment from the control room using Supervisory Control

and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer systems to maintain safe, efficient, and continuous plant operation

while ensuring that the operations of power plants comply with all applicable North American Electric Reliability

Corporation (NERC) standards and practices.

Working conditions:

OCC Operator II’s spend 100% of their time in the OCC facility, excluding safety and scheduled training

exercises. Shift assignments in the 24/7/365 work setting include extended workdays and the ability to work

other shifts as required, to include overtime, rotating shifts, holidays and weekends as necessary.

Responsibilities:

? Complete applicable safety program training requirements per the IIPP annually. Read, understand,

and apply information such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure

manuals.

? Maintain safe, reliable, and efficient operation by quickly responding to changing conditions in order to

maximize availability and generation by operating facilities within all applicable permits, electrical

system procedures, contractual obligations, and company objectives.

? Visually monitor and read parameters, data points, and sensor outputs at specified intervals to verify

operating conditions and to detect faults and malfunctions.

? Monitor data such as weather conditions including wind speed, direction, turbulence, irradiance,

storms, or equipment temperatures, voltage, current, power, and VAR’s.

? Ensure quality and accuracy of real-time generation information being telemetered to RTO/ISO and

take actions to correct abnormalities.

? Ensure asset, meteorological, and substation data integrity for internal databases used for reporting

purposes and by external entity’s real-time operations.

? Develop and implement effective strategies to maximize the generating assets value by capturing profit

opportunities when possible.

? Use OEM or Enterprise SCADA (Original Equipment Manufacturer Supervisory Control and Data

Acquisition) to adjust plant control setpoints such as active and reactive power of the company’s

generating units.

? Maintain understanding of the compliance requirements where owned and third-party assets are

located.

? Perform diagnostic analysis of operating data to assess operating performance and make

recommendations for improvement.

? Adjust manual controls or verify automatic controls to bring equipment into recommended or prescribed

operating ranges, based on utility/ISO/customer requirements. Accurately change control equipment

setpoints.

? Record operation actions taken during shift in operator's logbook or other automated logging

mechanisms.

Control Center Operator Job Description 2 of 2 7/26/13 L Haacke

? Anticipate typical problems, identify potential or recurring problems, discover opportunities for

improvements, and take appropriate action.

? Proficient in operating computers, the OCC’s Integrated SCADA system, and all other plant SCADA

systems used in monitoring and controlling plant operations.

? Use weather information from weather services and interconnected companies to respond to load

demand changes as directed through curtailment orders and outage directives.

? Ensure compliance to all regulatory and contractual requirements through adherence to all

operational procedures, processes, and policies.

? Coordinate with regional personnel and system operators from other companies on matters

pertaining to customer problems or demands. Utilize accurate and efficient three-way

communication skills on inbound and outbound telephone conversations.

? Assist maintenance teams to troubleshoot problems and ascertain probable cause.

? Direct electrical substation switching using a detailed understanding of the Company’s electrical

switching practices

? Supervise OCC Operators in the absence of supervisory personnel, and provide direction and advice

to Operators on technical issues relating to system performance and operation.

? All other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

? Able to maintain confidentiality, be detail oriented and disciplined, and adept at multi-tasking.

? Able to demonstrate good work habits including, but not limited to, excellent attendance patterns and

being to work on time.

? Conduct and present himself/herself in a professional manner.

? Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written, with demonstrated ability to

follow instructions diligently.

? Demonstrated good analytical skills to process information in a timely and accurate manner. Math

skills sufficient to accurately complete required job functions.

? Demonstrated computer skills required with ability to learn and use MS Office suite programs, unique

plant SCADA systems, and network/communication systems to identify plant interconnectivity issues.

? Understanding of the operation and control of power plants highly desired. Knowledge of NERC

operating policies a plus. Ability to train for and become NERC certified is a desired advancement path

for operators.

? 5+ years in power system operations, power production, or related energy operations. Military or

maritime background is an asset.

? Thorough knowledge of power theory, power plant equipment, maintenance practices, and principles

of operation.

? Associate’s Degree in a technical or relevant discipline required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

? Must possess and maintain NERC Balancing and Interchange Certification or ability to attain

certification within 12 months.

? Must be able to work other shifts as required, including overtime, rotating shifts, holidays and weekends

as necessary. Experience in 24/7 work settings preferred